What setsApple TV+apart from its predecessors and peers is a willingness to experiment with the mundane aspects of life. Series likeTed LassoandPlatonicturnthe lives of a former football coach or two childhood friends into a spectacle of sorts, still retaining a seriousness in their characterization and writing. These fifteen series allow the audience to laugh at themselves while coming to a greater understanding of the unpredictability of life and how they engage with said chaos.
15The Afterparty (2022-2023)
The Afterpartysees the classic mystery turned into a rather lively journey towards the truth. The anthology series features two different murder investigations and hosts a slew of charismatic performances from Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao,and Dave Franco. With witty dialogue and an exciting approach to mystery-solving,The Afterpartyis a quick delight to enjoy.
An Unserious Approach To Murder Investigations
WhileThe Afterpartymay not be the first time someone made light of a frightening murder case, it excels at offering an original premise. From the sequence of events to the scenes of the crime,The Afterpartymasterfully blends its whimsical characters with a genuinely intriguing mystery worth solving. Its unique flair comes from the way in which each episode depicts a different character’s experience of the events under investigation, with each perspective taking on different genre conventions.
14Strange Planet (2023-Present)
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Strange Planetis an animated series that chronicles the lived experiences of the adorable, blue inhabitants of a not-so-distant world. The seriessatirizes every seemingly innocuous moment of life, shattering the illusion of normalcy with a scintillating charm.
A Vivid Reflection of Humanity
With its calming shades of blues and pinks, the scenery ofStrange Planetoffers a soothing,aesthetically pleasing worldfor audiences to get lost in. However, the comedic timing of the characters is what ultimately retains viewers. Dan Harmon’s (Community,Rick and Morty) strong writing combined with performances from the likes of Tunde Adebimpe, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Danny Pudi helps set a strong foundation for a truly captivating reflection of life on earth.
13The Big Door Prize (2023-Present)
The Big Door Prizeseesthe quaint town of Deerfield, Louisiana transformed after the appearance of a “DNAMIX” machine within a local grocery store. Collecting the DNA of the Deerfield residents with a swab, the machine presents one’s destiny back at them. The series largely focuses on Dusty Hubbard (Chris O’Dowd), an average man who is quite content with life until the DNAMIX prompts a series of self-investigations.
An Insightful Gaze Into The Mundane
The Big Door Prizeis a refreshing blend between close-to-home science fiction and humorous slice-of-life, hosting a bevy of complex characters to follow. Insight regarding free will, fate, and their impact on the community enriches the overall story and guides audiences to epiphanies of their own.
12Schmigadoon (2021-2023)
Schmigadoon
Schmigadoon!follows Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key), two New York City doctors who attempt to patch up their struggling relationship. While venturing on a trip, the two find themselves lost in a mysterious town that communicates through singing. Sifting through melismatic messages from newfound friends, the couple learns that they can only escape when they discover true love.
An Extraordinarily Fun Exploration of Theater
The series efficiently blends musical theater with a relatable story about relationship issues. Melissa and Josh’s journey away from and back to each other shines a bright light on the difficulties of maintaining a relationship even if the love was there. Both avid fans and those ambivalent towards theater can find a tale to thoroughly enjoy.
11Mythic Quest (2020-Present)
Mythic Questfollows a fictional gaming studioled by Ian Grimm(Rob McElhenney), the creative director of the titular game. Resting comfortably within the workplace comedy subgenre,Mythic Questuses the familiar terrain to explore the world of gaming with strongly written characters and commentary.
A Thoughtful, Well-Rounded Approach To Gaming and Labor
The emotional intelligence present in the writing offers compelling cases revolving around the commercial world’s claws sinking into the creative process, discussions of misogyny in the gaming industry, and inadequate management skills from employers.Mythic Questmanages to offer a holistic depiction of gaming while echoing a familiar contempt for questionable authority.
10Little America (2020-Present)
Little Americajoins the bevy of stories dedicated to removing the stigma of immigration and presenting the people on the ground. Dedicating eight episodes to the stories of different characters and their respective backgrounds, the series highlights the beauty of the immigrants and excels in capturing their experience without delving into hyperbolic and ultimately reductive portrayals.
A Beautiful Mosaic Of Human Experiences
Combining the light of everyday life with the silent pain that comes with omnipresent discrimination,Little Americashares nuanced stories that not only acknowledge but revel in the nuances of life. With its first series sitting at 95% and its second at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s evident thatLittle Americahas resonated with its audience. It’s a shame, however, that it remains un-seen by the majority of viewers.
9Acapulco (2021-Present)
In constant conversation with the past and present,Acapulcoappears asanother rags-to-riches story. However, it ultimately serves as an intelligent comedy that provides pervasive wholesomeness and charismatic characters with rich stories to admire. Largely focused on wealthy mogul Maximo Gallardo Ramos (Eugenio Derbez), the series jumps back in time to illustrate his rise to success.
A Genuinely Heartwarming Coming Of Age Comedy
In one breath,Acapulcoreads like the story of a demigod, a triumphant figure who rises above the obstacles and retreats to an Eden of his own. Yet, the charming personalities and the litany of predicaments that await young Maximo expertly capture the all too familiar experience of navigating adolescence.
15 Best Shows Streaming on Apple TV+, Ranked
While it’s a relatively new player in the streaming wars, Apple TV+ has gone all-in with a wide range of new original content.
8High Desert (2023)
Despite its sudden cancelation,High Desertremains an entertaining mystery-comedy, and who would expect anything else from a show led bythe likes of Patricia Arquette? After the passing of her mother, Peggy (Arquette) decides to upend her life and opts for a career in private investigation, leading to a series of ridiculously funny scenes and riveting moments of vulnerability.
A Wonderful Bundle Of Chaos
High Desertmay seem like a mélange of discord and drollness, but the series has its own rhythm worth following along with. As Peggy’s life in the small town of Yucca Valley, California unfolds, her attempts to retain stability offer unforgettably hilarious moments and an earnest approach to discussions concerning addiction, loneliness, and grief.
7Dickinson (2019-2021)
American poet Emily Dickinson has cemented herself as one of the most intriguing writers due to her thought-provoking poems and individual persona.Dickinsonreimagines her life, relying on anachronisms while documenting the experiences of the famed poet.Starring Hailee Steinfeldas the titular writer, the series chronicles her reluctance to marriage, relationships with her family, and her artistic voice.
An Atypical Yet Amazing Look Into The Past
Accompanied by a stellar cast including Ella Hunt and Jane Krakowski,Dickinsonmay appear to some as a three-season, star-studded escapade. However, the series' masterful manipulation of time pushes back against the notion that interrogations of gender and race in the United States are a “modern invention” or ephemeral.
6Still Up (2023-Present)
Read Our ReviewA particularly enjoyable advent of great television is the ability to peel the layers behind people living with often overlooked conditions instead of rendering them a spectacle worth exploiting. The series follows the close friendship between Lisa (Antonia Thomas) and Danny (Craig Roberts), two creatives with insomnia. After meeting once, the two decide to make the most of their sleepless nights and hold hour-long conversations.
An Enjoyable, Nocturnal Rom-Com
Through their calls, audiences learn a lot about Lisa and Danny as they learn about each other. While the series focuses on their growing relationship,Still Upalso offers worthwhile commentary on alienation in the modern age. For those who like their shows to be led by dialogue, this is for you.
